Rare 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 454 Emerges With Rare Color, Needs Rare Restoration

The 1971 model year brought a steep decline for the Monte Carlo. Only 128,600 cars were produced, and the SS 454 production fell to only 1,919 units.

Sales recovered next year when Chevrolet sold 180,819 units, albeit the SS 454 was no longer available. The company discontinued the model but continued to offer the 454 as an option for Monte Carlo buyers interested in a big-block engine. Only 1,268 customers ordered the 454 on their Monte Carlo.

One of these rare big-block Monte Carlos is here fighting for a chance to return to the road. The car spent the last 11 years inside, with eBay seller Resurrection Classics Auto Parts explaining that the block is still around, albeit out of the vehicle.

A Monte Carlo 454 is already rare, but what makes this example stand out from the crowd even more is the paint. The vehicle rolled off the assembly lines wearing a Pewter Silver finish (paint code 14), with the interior also in Pewter. I don't have any numbers to back my claims, but I believe it's the rarest color for the 1972 Monte Carlo – please share your numbers in the comment box below if I'm wrong.

You can tell the car needs a complete restoration, and you can see it in detail in the walkaround video below. However, you should also order a third-party inspection or go see it yourselves if you're committed to a purchase.

Restoring a rare car isn't easy, and a 1972 Monte Carlo 454 could become a rare collectible with the right overhaul. You'll spend some time dealing with the metal problems, though I think the driver's quarter is the worst part. The owner says it'll need urgent repairs or a replacement "as it was repaired in the past with lots of bondo."

The bidding is underway, but the owner has also enabled a reserve, and unlocking it might be quite a challenge for interested buyers. The seller didn't share specifics on the reserve's value, but it's safe to assume it's not low. The top offer has already surpassed $1,000, but the reserve is still in place.

The auction will end in approximately one day, so the chances are that this Monte Carlo will fail to find a new home this time. I expect the car to return to eBay in the coming weeks, so I'll let you know when you can get your hands on the car again.

The vehicle is parked in Vancouver, Washington, and you'll need a trailer to take it home should you win the auction.